Carolina Panthers

Michael Oher was joined by 'Blind Side' family during Panthers' celebration

Published Jan. 26, 2016 6:19 p.m. ET

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Left tackle Michael Oher has revived his career after signing with the Carolina Panthers this past offseason. The family that adopted him -- as made famous by the book that turned into the movie "The Blind Side" -- has stuck by his side.

As Oher celebrated his team's victory in the NFC Championship Game, his adopted parents Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy were right by his side to enjoy the moment.

Via Michael Oher on Instagram:

Oher was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. After Oher finished second in the voting for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year -- playing the majority of his snaps at right tackle -- the Ravens moved him back to quarterback Joe Flacco's "blind side" in 2010 at left tackle.

Oher fizzled out at left tackle with the Ravens, and he never recaptured his rookie-year form even after they moved him around. He signed a four-year, $20 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in 2014, but when he struggled with poor play and injuries, the Titans released him after just one season.

This past offseason, after most NFL teams had already given up on Oher, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman decided to give him another chance. Gettleman signed Oher to a two-year, $7 million contract and named him the starter at left tackle from Day One.

At the time, it seemed like a risky move for the Panthers to rely on Oher to protect Cam Newton's blind side after he failed in Baltimore and Tennessee. However, like most of Gettleman's recent personnel decisions, it worked out for the Panthers. Oher earned positive marks as a pass blocker, allowing just 31 combined quarterback sacks, hits and hurries, per Pro Football Focus.

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